OVERTURE TO A CLAMBAKE

Clam hunters at Pismo Beach, California swarm onto the wet, gleaming sands at every daytime low tide

The Pismo clam, its pursuers say, is the world's finest—so sought after that a gamebag limit of 10 clams to a person and minimum length of five inches is enforced. Licensed amateur clam hunters think little of driving 150 miles from Fresno for a mere half hour of digging during the brief span between tides. November starts the ideal season for digging, because in summer the best tides are at night. Hence the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, which is celebrated this year November 11, 12, 13.

PHOTO

ROBERT J. SMITH